U.S. patent application number 09/242014 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for disposable absorbent article with wings predisposed towards their in-use-position.
Invention is credited to SCHMITT, ACHIM.
Application Number | 20020183707 09/242014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8222629 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020183707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCHMITT, ACHIM |
December 5, 2002 |
DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH WINGS PREDISPOSED TOWARDS THEIR
IN-USE-POSITION
Abstract
The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles
such as sanitary napkins, panitiliners and incontinence pads that
have side wrapping elements, also called wings on each longitudinal
side edge of the article for protection of the side edges of the
wearer's undergarment. The side wrapping elements are joined to the
absorbent article such that they are predisposed towards their
inuseposition, with the outermost edge of the side wrapping
elements towards the longitudinal centre line of the article. In
this configuration the side wrapping elements can be unfolded by
pulling the outermost edge of each side wrapping element in a
transverse direction and applying the unfolded article to the
crotch position of the wearers undergarment. The predisposition of
the side wrapping elements will then support their folding around
the undergarment side edges or even perform this task
automatically.
Inventors: |
SCHMITT, ACHIM;
(MUNSTER-SARMSHEIM, DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
8222629 |
Appl. No.: |
09/242014 |
Filed: |
April 5, 1999 |
PCT Filed: |
March 27, 1997 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US97/05008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/385.04 ;
604/385.05; 604/390 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/476
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/385.04 ;
604/385.05; 604/390 |
International
Class: |
A61F 013/15 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 30, 1996 |
EP |
96105143.0 |
Claims
1) Disposable absorbent article (20) for wearing in the crotch
portion of an undergarment, said crotch portion comprising side
edges which from part of the leg opening of said undergarment, said
article (20) having a longitudinal axis (L) and a transverse axis
(T), said article comprising a main body portion (21) having
longitudinal side edges (23) substantially extending parallel to
said longitudinal axis (L) and having transverse side edges (22)
substantially extending parallel to said transverse axis (T), said
main body portion (21) further having a wearer facing surface and a
garment facing surface, and said article composing side wrapping
elements (50) having an in-use-position in which said side wrapping
elements (50) wrap said side edges of said crotch portion, said
article (20) being characterised in that said side wrapping
elements (50) have a predisposition so as to assume said
in-use-position.
2) Disposable absorbent articles (20) according to claim 1
characterised in that said predisposition in provided by joining
said side wrapping elements (50) to said main body portion in said
in-use-position.
3) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to any of the
preceding claims characterised in that said side wrapping elements
(50) are provided separately from said main body portion and are
attached to said main body portion (21).
4) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to claim 3 wherein
said side wrapping elements (50) are attached to the garment facing
surface and along the longitudinal side edges (23) of said main
body portion (21) to said article.
5) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to claims 1 or 2
characterised in that said side wrapping elements (50) are integral
with said main body portion (21), said side wrapping elements (50)
are folded along a foldline (25) into said in-use-position and
attached to said garment facing surface of said main body portion
to provide said predisposition of said side wrapping elements
(50).
6) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to claim 5
characterised in that said side wrapping elements (50) are attached
to said garment facing surface along a longitudinal line (27) over
a length of not more than 50% of the length of said foldline
(25).
7) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to claim 6
characterised in that said longitudinal line of attachment (27) has
a midpoint which is not more than 10 mm from the midpoint of said
foldline (25).
8) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to claim 5
characterised in that said main body portion (21) comprises a
topsheet (38) which provides said wearer facing surface, and a
backsheet (40) which provides said garment facing surface, and said
side wrapping elements (21) comprise integral extensions of said
topsheet (38) and said backsheet (40) and said side wrapping
elements (21) are folded along a foldline (25) into said
in-use-position and said side wrapping elements (50) are attached
to said main body portion (21) along the common portion of said
longitudinal side edges (23) of said main body portion (21) and the
side wrapping elements (50), said common portion being at least
partially between said foldline (25) and said longitudinal axis
(L).
9) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to claim 8
characterised in that the material between said longitudinal side
edges (23) of said main body portion (21) and said foldline (25),
preferably including said foldline (25) itself, is severed from
said disposable absorbent article (20).
10) Disposable absorbent article (20) according to claims 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8 or 9 characterised in that said attachment is provided by
an adhesive means or welding of contacting materials.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to disposable absorbent
articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners and incontinence
pads that have side wrapping elements, also called wings on each
longitudinal side edge of the article for protection of the side
edges of the wearer's undergarment. The side wrapping elements are
joined to the absorbent article such that they are predisposed
towards their in-use-position, with the outermost edge of the side
wrapping elements towards the longitudinal centre line of the
article. In this configuration the side wrapping elements can be
unfolded by pulling the outermost edge of each side wrapping
element in a transverse direction and applying the unfolded article
to the crotch position of the wearers undergarment. The
predisposition of the side wrapping elements will then support
their folding around the undergarment side edges or even perform
this task automatically.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners,
and incontinence pads are devices that are typically worn in the
crotch region of an undergarment. These devices are designed to
absorb and retain liquid and other discharges from the human body
and to prevent body and clothing soiling. Sanitary napkins are a
type of absorbent article worn by women in a pair of panties which
is normally positioned between the wearer's legs, adjacent to the
perennial area of the body. Sanitary napkins in particular with
side wrapping elements, often also referred to as side flaps or
wings, are disclosed in the literature and are available in the
marketplace.
[0003] Generally when sanitary napkins are provided with side
flaps, the side flaps extend laterally from a central absorbent
means and are intended to be folded around the edges of the
wearer's panties in the crotch region. The side flaps can be
provided with an attachment means for either affixing them to the
underside of the wearer's panties or to the opposing side flap. The
side flaps are particularly effective for preventing exudates from
soiling the edges of the wearer's panties.
[0004] Sanitary napkins having wings or side flaps of various types
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478, entitled "Shaped Sanitary
Napkin With Flaps", U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,047, entitled "Sanitary
Napkin Attachment Means", U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876, entitled
"Sanitary Napkin" and its Re-examination Patent No. B1 4,589,876,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,343, entitled "Sanitary Napkin". Sanitary
napkins having wings are commonly viewed as providing good
protection against soiling. Typically the side flaps are provided
on the sanitary napkins by either being attached to the garment
facing surface of the absorbent article or by integrally extending
from the lateral side edges of the absorbent article.
[0005] Protective side flaps according to the prior art are
provided such that their relaxed or predisposed position is assumed
when the wings or flaps extend away from side edge of the main body
portion of the absorbent article.
[0006] The side flaps are also typically folded inwards below or
above the absorbent article for delivery such that a packaging can
be provided to accommodate the basic width of the article without
the side flaps. Tucked side flaps below the backsheet of the
article which address this situation are known from PCT application
PCT/US 9404926, PCT/US 9404927 and PCT/US 9404943. Alternative
embodiments of tucked side wrapping elements are disclosed in
European application 95114720.6.
[0007] In order to unfold the side flaps from this delivery
position the user has to grab the edge of each side flap and unfold
it into the basic flat position in order to place the absorbent
article into the undergarment and fold the wings (against their
predisposition) around the side edges of the crotch region of the
undergarment.
[0008] EP-A-337438 discloses an attachment means for sanitary
napkins by which resilient hinges are introduced to clamp the side
edge of a wearers undergarments. This system suffers from the
desire to resiliently attach the article to the crotch portion of
the undergarment and hence requiring a hinge material which lacks
comfort and can cause chaffing or skin irritation to the
wearer.
[0009] The present invention addresses the problems of various
available versions of side wrapping elements and improves their
function in respect to soiling protection, convenience for the
wearer, consistency of the crotch width of the article in use and
maintains the comfort and non-irritation properties of the
conventional side flaps.
[0010] Thus an objective of the present invention is to provide an
absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is provided with
an alternative to conventional side flaps by having a
predisposition towards the in-use-position of the side flaps. It is
another objective of the present invention to provide sanitary
napkins with a defined crotch width after application to an
undergarment independent of the various dimensions of undergarments
and/or habits of wearers.
[0011] These and other objectives of the present invention will be
more readily apparent when considered in reference with the
following description and when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to disposable absorbent
articles for wearing in the crotch portion of an undergarment, in
particular to sanitary napkins or pantiliners or adult continents
inserts. The crotch portion of an undergarment comprises side edges
which form part of the leg opening of the undergarment. The
absorbent articles according to the present invention have a
longitudinal and a transverse axis and comprise a main body portion
which has longitudinal side edges substantially extending parallel
to the longitudinal axis and transverse side edges substantially
extending parallel to the transverse axis of the main body
portion.
[0013] The main body portion further has a wearer facing surface
which is oriented towards the wearer of such articles and a garment
facing surface which is generally oriented towards the undergarment
of the wearer.
[0014] The absorbent article according to the present invention
comprises side wrappings elements which are wrapped around the side
edges of the crotch portion of the undergarment. In this position
the side wrapping elements have an in-use-position. According to
the present invention the side wrapping elements have a
predisposition so as to assume the in- use-position. This
predisposition can be achieved by joining the side wrapping
elements to the main body portion already in the
in-use-position.
[0015] If the side wrapping elements are provided as separate
pieces from the main body portion they are attached to the main
body portion in their in- use-position, preferably to the garment
facing surface and along the longitudinal side edges of the body
portion of the disposable absorbent article.
[0016] In an alternative embodiment of the absorbent article the
side wrapping elements are integral with the main body portion
extending transversely away from the lateral axis of the absorbent
article. The side wrapping elements are then folded along a
foldline into the in-use-position and in order to provide the
predisposition they are attached to the garment facing surface of
the main body portion. It is preferred in this embodiment that the
attachment is not longer than 50% of the length of the foldline of
the side wrapping elements, preferably the midpoint of the line of
attachment is in the vicinity of the midpoint of the foldline, for
example within 10 mm from the midpoint of the foldline.
[0017] If the side wrapping elements are integral with the main
absorbent body of the absorbent article they can be integral
extensions of the topsheet which provides the wearer facing surface
of the main body portion and/or integral extensions of the
backsheet of the main body portion which provide the garment facing
surface of the main body portion. In this embodiment it is
preferred to have the side wrapping elements attached to the main
body portion along the common portion of the longitudinal side
edges of the main body portion and the side wrapping elements. The
common portion of this attachment of the side wrapping elements to
the main body portion can be preferably, at least partially between
the foldline of the side wrapping elements into the in-use-position
and the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article and thereby
result in a non linear attachment line following the curvature of
the main body portion. In such a case, if the attachment line is
continuous, it is preferred that the material between the
longitudinal side edges of the main body portion and the foldline
where the side wrapping elements are folded into the
in-use-position including the foldline itself is severed from the
disposable absorbent article.
[0018] According to the present invention the attachment of the
side wrapping elements to the main body portion of any of the
embodiments can be provided by adhesive means or by welding of the
contacting materials where the side wrapping elements touch the
garment facing surface of the main body portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a conventional sanitary napkin
having side wrapping elements.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a sanitary napkin according to
the present invention with the side wrapping elements predisposed
into their in-use-position on the garment facing surface of the
sanitary napkin.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along the transverse axis T
of FIG. 2 showing an embodiment according the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment
according the present invention which can be derived by further
processing the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a disposable sanitary napkin
20 as known in the art. The present invention relates to absorbent
articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners and incontinence
pads and will be explained in the following by reference to
sanitary napkins. According to the present invention sanitary
napkins have a main body portion 21 and a pair of side wrapping
elements 50 which wrap the side edges of the crotch portion of
wearer's panties when the wearer places the sanitary napkin in the
undergarments.
[0024] The sanitary napkin 20 has two surfaces, a liquid pervious
wearer facing surface and a preferably liquid impervious, garment
facing surface. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as
viewed from its wearer facing surface.
[0025] The sanitary napkin 20 has two axes, a longitudinal axis L
and a transverse axis T. The term "longitudinal", as used herein,
refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary
napkin 20 that is generally aligned with (e.g., approximately
parallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a standing wearer into
left and right body halves when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. The
terms "transverse" or "lateral" used herein, are interchangeable,
and refer to a line, axis or direction which lies within the plane
of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows the main body portion 21 of the sanitary napkin
20. The main body portion 21 comprises the portion of the sanitary
napkin without the side wrapping elements 50. The main body portion
21 has two spaced apart longitudinal side edges 23, which can be
linear or curved as shown in FIGS. 1 or 2. A detailed description
of a sanitary napkin and its main body portion is contained in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,690,680.
[0027] The main body portion 21 of the sanitary napkin 20 can be of
any thickness, including relatively thick, relatively thin, or even
very thin. The sanitary napkin 20 shown is preferably a relatively
thin sanitary napkin, preferably an "ultra-thin" sanitary napkin.
An "ultra-thin" sanitary napkin 20 as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,950,264 and 5,009,653 preferably has a calliper of less than
about 3 millimetres.
[0028] FIGS. 3 or 4 best show the individual components of the main
body portion 21 of the sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention.
The dimensions as shown in FIGS. 3 or 4 should be considered as
schematic only since some details are enlarged while other parts of
the sanitary napkin may only be indicated or even not included in
the Figures.
[0029] The main body portion 21 of the sanitary napkin generally
comprises at least three primary components. These include a liquid
pervious topsheet 38, a preferably liquid impervious backsheet 40,
and an absorbent structure or core 42 positioned between the
topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. There are also occasions,
however, when one or preferably more of these components, such as
the backsheet and topsheet, can be replaced by a component that
serves as part of the side wrapping elements 50 described below.
The topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core may be
assembled in a variety of configurations known in the art
(including so called "sandwich" products and "tube" products).
[0030] Several preferred sanitary napkin configurations are
described generally in U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,924, "Bordered
Disposable Absorbent Article"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,130, "Compound
Sanitary Napkin"; U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264, "Thin, Flexible Sanitary
Napkin"; U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,346, "Elasticised Sanitary Napkin";
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/096,121 entitled "Absorbent
Articles Having Panty Covering Components That Naturally Wrap the
Sides of Panties" filed Jul. 22, 1993; and PCT Patent Application
No. U.S. 94/10200 entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Panty
Covering Components Comprising Extensible Web Materials Which
Exhibit Elastic-Like Behaviour". The main body portion 21 of the
sanitary napkin may also be comprised of one or more extensible
components such as those sanitary napkins, and the like described
in PCT Publication Nos. WO 93/01785 and 93/01786.
[0031] In general the three primary components of the main body
portion need to satisfy the following:
[0032] The topsheet is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating
to the wearer's skin. The topsheet also can have elastic
characteristics allowing it to be stretched in one or two
directions in portions of the topsheet or throughout its extension.
Further, the topsheet is fluid pervious permitting fluids (e.g.,
menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness. A
suitable topsheet can be manufactured from a wide range of
materials such as woven and non woven materials; polymeric
materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured
plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; and
thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and non woven materials can be
comprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers),
synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester,
polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of
natural and synthetic fibers or bi-/multi-component fibers.
[0033] Preferred topsheets for use in the present invention are
typically selected from high loft nonwoven topsheets and apertured
formed film topsheets. Apertured formed films are especially
preferred for the topsheets because they are pervious to body
exudates and yet non absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow
fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the
surface of the formed film that is in contact with the wearer
remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating a more
comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246; U.S.
Pat. No. 4,342,314; U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045; and U.S. Pat. No.
5,006,394. Particularly preferred micro apertured formed film
topsheets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,518 and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,629,643. A preferred topsheet for the present invention
comprises the formed film described in one or more of the above
patents and marketed on sanitary napkins by The Procter &
Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE".
[0034] Topsheets having not a homogeneous distribution of liquid
passage ways but only a portion of the topsheet comprising liquid
passage ways are also contemplated by the present invention.
Typically such topsheets would have the liquid passage ways
oriented such that they result in a centrally permeable and
peripherally impermeable topsheet for liquids.
[0035] The wearer facing surface of the formed film topsheet can be
treated so as to help liquid to transfer though the topsheet. In a
preferred embodiment, surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric
materials of the formed film topsheet such as is described in
PCT-publication WO 93/09741. Alternatively, the wearer facing
surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with
a surfactant such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,254. It
has also been found that film topsheets can be treated to be
hydrophobic which improves their dryness appearance.
[0036] Another alternative are so called hybrid topsheets which
incorporate fibrous and film like structures particularly useful
embodiments of such hybrid topsheets are disclosed in PCT
publications WO 93/09744; WO 93/11725 or WO 93/11726.
[0037] The topsheet typically extends across the whole of the
absorbent structure and outside the area coextensive with the
absorbent structure. The topsheet can extend and form part or all
of the preferred side flaps, side wrapping elements or wings as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0038] When referring to the topsheet a multi layer structure or a
mono layer structure is contemplated. The hybrid topsheet mentioned
above is such a multi layer design but other multi layer topsheets
such as primary and secondary topsheet designs are also
considered.
[0039] The absorbent structure can include the following
components: (a) optionally a primary fluid distribution layer
preferably together with a secondary optional fluid distribution
layer; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) optionally a fibrous
("dusting") layer underlying the storage layer; and (d) other
optional components.
[0040] a Primary/Secondary Fluid Distribution Layer
[0041] One optional component of the absorbent structure according
to the present invention is a primary fluid distribution layer and
a secondary fluid distribution layer. The primary distribution
layer typically underlies the topsheet and is in fluid
communication therewith. The topsheet transfers the acquired fluid
to this primary distribution layer for ultimate distribution to the
storage layer. This transfer of fluid through the primary
distribution layer occurs not only in the thickness, but also along
the length and width directions of the absorbent product. The also
optional but preferred secondary distribution layer typically
underlies the primary distribution layer and is in fluid
communication therewith. The purpose of this secondary distribution
layer is to readily acquire fluid from the primary distribution
layer and transfer it rapidly to the underlying storage layer. This
helps the fluid capacity of the underlying storage layer to be
fully utilised. The fluid distribution layers can be comprised of
any material typical for such distribution layers. In particular
fibrous layers which can maintain the capillaries between fibers
even when wet are useful as distribution layers.
[0042] b Fluid Storage Layer
[0043] Positioned in fluid communication with, and typically
underlying the primary or secondary distribution layers, is a fluid
storage layer. The fluid storage layer can comprise any usual
absorbent material or combinations thereof. It preferably comprises
absorbent gelling materials usually referred to as "hydrogel",
"superabsorbent", hydrocolloid" materials in combination with
suitable carriers.
[0044] The absorbent gelling materials are capable of absorbing
large quantities of aqueous body fluids, and are further capable of
retaining such absorbed fluids under moderate pressures. The
absorbent gelling materials can be dispersed homogeneously or
non-homogeneously in a suitable carrier. The suitable carriers,
provided they are absorbent as such, can also be used alone.
[0045] Suitable absorbent gelling materials for use herein will
most often comprise a substantially water-insoluble, slightly
cross-linked, partially neutralised, polymeric gelling material.
This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water Such polymer
materials can be prepared form polymerizable, unsaturated,
acid-containing monomers which are well known in the art.
[0046] Suitable carriers include materials which are conventionally
utilised in absorbent structures such as natural, modified or
synthetic fibers, particularly modified or non-modified cellulose
fibers, in the form of fluff and/or tissues. Suitable carriers can
be used together with the absorbent gelling material, however, they
can also be used alone or in combinations. Most preferred are
tissue or tissue laminates in the context of sanitary napkins/panty
liners.
[0047] An embodiment of the absorbent structure made according to
the present invention comprises a double layer tissue laminate
formed by folding the tissue onto itself. These layers can be
joined to each other. Absorbent gelling material or other optional
material can be comprised between the layers.
[0048] Modified cellulose fibers such as the stiffened cellulose
fibers can also be used. Synthetic fibers can also be used and
include those made of cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride,
polyvinylidene chloride, acrylics (such as Orlon), polyvinyl
acetate, non-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon), polyesters, bicomponent
fibers, tricomponent fibers, mixtures thereof and the like.
Preferably, the fiber surfaces are hydrophilic or are treated to be
hydrophilic. The storage layer can also include filler materials,
such as Perlite, diatomaceous earth, Vermiculite, etc., to improve
liquid retention.
[0049] If the absorbent gelling material is dispersed
non-homogeneously in a carrier, the storage layer can nevertheless
be locally homogenous, i.e. have a distribution gradient in one or
several directions within the dimensions of the storage layer.
Non-homogeneous distribution can also refer to laminates of
carriers enclosing absorbent gelling materials partially or
fully.
[0050] c Optional Fibrous ("Dusting") Layer
[0051] An optional component for inclusion in the absorbent
structure according to the present invention is a fibrous layer
adjacent to, and typically underlying the storage layer. This
underlying fibrous layer is typically referred to as a "dusting"
layer since it provides a substrate on which to deposit absorbent
gelling material in the storage layer during manufacture of the
absorbent structure. Indeed, in those instances where the absorbent
gelling material is in the form of macro structures such as fibers,
sheets or strips, this fibrous "dusting" layer need not be
included. However, this "dusting" layer provides some additional
fluid-handling capabilities such as rapid wicking of fluid along
the length of the pad.
[0052] d Other Optional Components of the Absorbent Structure
[0053] The absorbent structure according to the present invention
can include other optional components normally present in absorbent
webs. For example, a reinforcing scrim can be positioned within the
respective layers, or between the respective layers, of the
absorbent structure. Such reinforcing scrims should be of such
configuration as to not form interfacial barriers to fluid
transfer. Given the structural integrity that usually occurs as a
result of thermal bonding, reinforcing scrims are usually not
required for thermally bonded absorbent structures.
[0054] Another component which can be included in the absorbent
structure according to the invention and preferably is provided
close to or as part off the primary or secondary fluid distribution
layer are odor control agents. Active carbon and/or other odor
control agents, in particular suitable zeolite and/or clay
materials, are optionally incorporated in the absorbent structure.
These components can be incorporated in any desired form but often
are included as discrete particles.
[0055] The backsheet primarily prevents the exudates absorbed and
contained in the absorbent structure from wetting articles that
contact the absorbent product such as underpants, pants, pyjamas
and undergarments. The backsheet is preferably impervious to
liquids (e.g. menses and/or urine) and is preferably manufactured
from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious
materials can also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible"
refers to materials that are compliant and will readily conform to
the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet
also can have elastic characteristics allowing it to stretch in one
or two directions.
[0056] The backsheet typically extends across the whole of the
absorbent structure and can extend into and form part of or all of
the preferred sideflaps, side wrapping elements or wings as shown
in FIG. 3.
[0057] The backsheet can comprise a woven or non woven material,
polymeric films such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or
polypropylene, or composite materials such as a film-coated non
woven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a polyethylene film
having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051
mm (2.0 mils).
[0058] Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay
Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401 and
by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Ind.,
under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably
embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more clothlike
appearance. Further, the backsheet can permit vapours to escape
from the absorbent structure, i.e. be breathable, while still
preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet. Also
breathable backsheets comprising several layers, e.g. film plus
non-woven structures or multilayerd films, can be used and are
preferably joined to each other.
[0059] Side Flaps or Side Wrapping Elements
[0060] The side wrapping elements 50 can be of any suitable size
and shape. The side wrapping elements 50 of the present invention
may have any of the dimensions and characteristics set forth for
the undergarment covering components in the aforementioned
publications.
[0061] The side wrapping elements 50 can, as shown in FIG. 3, be
integral with the main body portion 21. Alternatively the side
wrapping elements 50 can, however, be joined to the main body
portion 21 in any suitable manner.
[0062] The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses
configurations in which an element is directly secured to another
element by affixing the element directly to the other element;
configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the
other element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s)
which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations
in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one
element is essentially part of the other element.
[0063] The side wrapping elements 50 can be made from any of the
materials used in the construction of the main body portion 21 of
the sanitary napkin. The side wrapping elements 50 in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 preferably comprise a laminate of two
materials such as the topsheet and the backsheet material.
Separately attached side wrapping elements can be made in the same
fashion or from a different laminate, e.g. of a soft extensible
coverstock material such as an extensible spunbond nonwoven web or
a soft extensible formed film, an optional intermediate layer such
as a three dimensional formed film, and a backing such as a
polyethylene film backsheet material.
[0064] Suitable material for the side wrapping elements include
those useful to provide the topsheet, the backsheet and optionally
intermediate layers. In this context suitable nonwoven webs include
a product known as Spunbond PE, which can be obtained from
Polybond, Incorporated of Waynesboro, Va., USA and a product known
as COROLIND PE, which can be obtained from Corovin GMBH of
Germany.
[0065] As intermediate layer or as topsheet material a variation of
a three dimensional formed film known as DRI-WEAVE can be used.
DRI-WEAVE is used as a topsheet on sanitary napkins manufactured by
the Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio under U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,342,314 and 4,463,045. The three dimensional film for use in
the side wrapping elements can be apertured or not apertured all
the way through as in the case of DRI-WEAVE topsheet material. For
integral side wrapping elements the DRI-WEAVE topsheet can be
formed so that the apertures are closed off on the longitudinal
side of the film which forms the wearer facing side of the side
wrapping elements.
[0066] The polyethylene backsheet material can be for example a
film as mentioned above. This polyethylene film can be joined to
form the laminate of the side wrapping elements together with the
nonwoven and/or the formed film by any suitable method such as by a
spiral application of adhesives or slot coating, or it can be
welded or extruded together.
[0067] The composite laminate preferably has a caliper of between
0.13-1.5 mm and is capable of extending between about 25-80%
without tearing. The particular laminate is chosen to provide a
soft body-contacting surface, good extensibility if extensibility
is desired, good resistance to folding and crumpling and a liquid
barrier.
[0068] The side wrapping elements 50 can be integral extensions of
the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 of the main body portion 21 as
shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, instead of being integral,
the side wrapping elements 50 can comprise a single or more
separate components which are attached to the main body portion 21.
They are preferably attached to the garment facing side of the main
body portion 21 but can also be attached along the longitudinal
side edge 23 of the main body portion 21 of the article 20.
[0069] According to the present invention the side wrapping
elements 50 have a predisposition to as to assume the
in-use-position. The in-use-position is similar to that shown in
FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 in a cross sectional perspective where the crotch
portion of the undergarment would be wrapped between the side
wrapping elements 50 and the garment facing surface of the
backsheet 40.
[0070] In order to achieve this predisposition it is not desirable
according to the present invention to employ resilient hinges. In
fact the use of an additional resilient hinge material in order to
provide the side wrapping element 50 with the ability to clamp the
napkin to the side edges of the crotch portion of the undergarment
is undesirable according to the present invention since the
additional resilient material can cause chaffing or it can be
irritating to the sensitive skin on the inside of the thighs of
their wearer.
[0071] If the side wrapping elements 50 are integral with the main
body portion 21 of the sanitary napkin they can be formed by
integral extensions as indicated above of the backsheet 40 and the
topsheet 38 of the main body portion. Such a design is shown in a
cross sectional view in FIG. 3.
[0072] The side wrapping elements 50 are then folded along a
foldline 25 such that they depend from the main body portion on the
side of the garment facing surface of the main body portion. The
folding line 25 does not need to be a straight line but usually
will be a straight line for geometry and material reasons and for
simplicity of manufacturing.
[0073] This foldline 25 can be, but does not have to be, identical
to the longitudinal side edges 23 of the main body portion 21 of
the sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 21 of the disposable
absorbent article according the present invention can have and
preferably has non-linear side edges. The main body portion
essentially follows the peripheral outline of the absorbent
structure and hence can for example assume a shape of a dog bone,
hourglass, oval, have a different transversal dimension in the
front and the rear end of the main body portion or it can be
non-symmetrical in respect to the transverse axis.
[0074] Such a shape of the main body portion 21 is present in the
prior art embodiment shown in FIG. 1. This prior art embodiment has
integral side wrapping elements which are simply extensions of the
components of the main body portion. The side wrapping elements are
joined such that they are predisposed towards the flat, stretched
out position shown in FIG. 1. This position can be considered as
precursor of embodiments according to the present invention shown
in FIGS. 2, 3 or 4.
[0075] In case of a shaped main body portion 21 and a strait
folding line 25 there will be a portion of the side wrapping
element which is folded onto itself but remain outside the
perimeter of the main body portion 21. Such a situation can be seen
in the cross sectional view of FIG. 3. In principal this material
can be considered excess material but need not be removed. However
in a preferred embodiment according to the present invention this
material, which is located between the folding line 25 and the
longitudinal side edges 23 of the main body portion 21, is at least
partially severed from the absorbent article 20 as can be seen in
FIG. 4.
[0076] In order to provide the side wrapping element 50 with there
predisposition towards the in-use-position it is provided with an
attachment 27 to the garment facing surface of the main body
portion. This attachment 27 can be provided by any means usual in
the art such as by adhesive means by crimping, by soldering or by
welding. Preferably this attachment 27 is extending along the
longitudinal side edge 23 of the main body portion 21. However the
attachment 27 can also be closer to or further away from the
longitudinal axis than the longitudinal side edges 23 of the main
body portion 21.
[0077] The attachment 27 need not be continues but can be provided
in a discontinues fashion such as dots, dashes or points. In such a
case it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that in order
to maintain the primary function of side wrapping elements it is
necessary to maintain a continues connection between the main body
portion and the side wrapping elements to prevent soiling of the
side edges of the crotch portion of the undergarment.
[0078] This can be achieved for integral side wrapping elements by
maintaining the foldline 25 intact. For such an embodiment it is to
preferred that the length of the line of attachment 27 does not
exceed 50% of the length of the foldline 25, and even more
preferable that the line of attachment 27 is substantially centred
around the midpoint of the foldline, most preferably the line of
attachment 27 has a midpoint within 10 mm of the midpoint of the
foldline.
[0079] This embodiment is particularly useful for absorbent
articles having strait longitudinal side edges along their main
body portion. The side wrapping elements can then be predisposed
towards their in-use-position such that the theoretical line, which
is formed by connecting the transversely inner most points at which
the side wrapping element is joint to the main body portion, such
that this theoretical line forms an inwardly curved shape following
more closely the usual curved shape of the side edges of the crotch
portion of an undergarment than a strait line of attachment
would.
[0080] In an alternative embodiment according to the present
invention the side wrapping elements 50 can be provided as separate
pieces from the main body portion 21. This has the benefit of
allowing a different materials to be employed for the side wrapping
elements than are use for the material forming the main body
portion. The line of joining the separate side wrapping elements to
the main body portion preferably can be identical to the line of
attachment which provides the side wrapping elements with the
predisposition towards their in-use-position. Such an embodiment
would be identical to the cross sectional view of an embodiment
according to the present invention having integral side wrapping
elements of which the excess material including the folding line
has been severed from the article as is shown in FIG. 4.
[0081] If the lines of attachment 27 of the side wrapping elements
(50) to the main body portion are provided inward from the
periphery of the main body portion, the free outwardly facing edge
of the material forming the topsheet, the backsheet and the side
wrapping elements can provide a particularly soft, non-irritating
longitudinal side edge to the disposable absorbent article and is
hence particularly preferred. To achieve this softness the free
outwardly facing edge should have at least about 3 mm width along
the longitudinal 30% of the longitudinal side edge of the main body
portion.
[0082] Typically the side wrapping elements 50 comprise attachment
means (not shown in the drawings) which can be any attachment means
typically used in the art. This includes such attachments as the
male part of mechanical fasteners, so called hooks, which engage
into the fibrous surface of the undergarment as the complementary
female loop part. More typical the attachment means is a pressure
sensitive adhesive well known in the art which realisably adheres
to the surface of the undergarment when placed in there. Suitable
adhesives are Savare LA203 and LA303 of the Savare I.C. company of
Milan in Italy, Coramelt 867 by Koemmerling in Pirmasens in Germany
and Fuller H-2238ZP manufactured by the H.B. Fuller Co of Lueneburg
in Germany. Suitable adhesive fasteners are also described in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,917,697.
[0083] Prior to use the attachment means are protected by joining
them to a release surface. The release surface has to be selected
in accordance with the selection of the attachment means. For an
adhesive attachment means a silicon coated release paper strip or
more preferably a coating of the release compound onto the surface
which is in contact with the attachment means in the article
configuration as provided to the wearer can be employed.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0084] Numerous alternative embodiments of the present invention
are possible. For example, the side wrapping elements are
preferably mirror images of each other, and are symmetrical about
the longitudinal axis. However, it should be understood that the
shape and location of the side wrapping elements described herein
are those of a preferred embodiment, and other embodiments are also
possible. For example, while the side wrapping elements 50 are
shown as extending symmetrical from each longitudinal edge of the
main body portion, there may be one side wrapping element extending
further than the other one. Further, the side wrapping elements 50
may be offset along the longitudinal centerline more towards one
transverse end edge of the main body portion than the other.
[0085] The terms "panty liner" refer to absorbent articles that are
less bulky than sanitary napkins which are generally worn by women
between their menstrual periods. Suitable absorbent articles in the
form of pantiliners that can benefit from the present invention
described herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,676 entitled
"Pantiliner".
[0086] The term "incontinence article" refers to pads,
undergarments (pads held in place by a suspension system of same
type, such as a belt, or the like), inserts for absorbent articles,
capacity boosters for absorbent articles, briefs, bed pads, and the
like, regardless of whether they are worn by adults, children or
infants. Suitable incontinent articles that can be provided with
the side wrapping elements described herein are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,300,054 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,161.
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